Alabama's Challenge: Higher Education in the 1980's. Report of the Second Special Committee to Evaluate the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Alabama State Commission on Higher Education, Montgomery.

An evaluation of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education was conducted by a special committee. The committee unanimously agreed that the commission should be strengthened, since it has the obligation to coordinate higher education but lacks the needed resources and authority. The committee recommended that the commission have authority and responsibility for at least the following: long range planning, program approval and review, budget review and recommendation, and data collection and dissemination. Specific recommendations to the state and to the commission are offered. The entire text of the state legislation that established the commission is included to delineate the powers of the commission. This evaluation concentrates on the major mandated functions of establishing a university and college information system, undertaking review of academic programs, and recommending a consolidated budget for higher education. An assessment is also made of the planning function and of commission administration of new activities since 1975. A list of publications of the commission are included. (SW)